About the Nonconformance Tracking System (NCTS)

First released in 2005, Non-conformance Tracking System (NCTS) continues to grow in its importance in supporting ESA project to manage nonconformances (NCs).

Currently, there are more than 5,000 users on 29 different ESA projects across six ESA Directorates who use NCTS to manage over 20,000 NCs.

This web-based application supports the recording, reporting and reviewing of NCs raised against any space product.

It implements the process and requirements specified in ECSS-Q-ST-10-09C (Nonconformance Control System).

Based on a user's access, NCTS determines to which section(s) of a product tree the user has access and whether the user can view or create NCs. The tool allows all details about the NC to be entered online, including the attachment of supporting documentation (e.g. meeting minutes, images, etc.)

NCTS allows Nonconformance Review Board (NRB) members to be notified by email about a new NC which was raised.

The tool supports both Internal NRBs (where a NC is classified as Minor) or Customer NRBs (where a NC is escalated, as it is classifed as Major).

During a NRB, minutes of the meeting can be recorded on-line and actions assigned.